Anointing for Healing

Anointing for Healing and Wholeness

Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up” (James 5:14-15).

Anointing with oil is considered by the church as a sacramental act and so is therefore restricted to either ordained clergy or licensed lay anointers. It is a healing ministry intended to be situated within the life and worship of a parish or faith community. It is not considered a private or individual ministry, but a ministry of the whole of the church.

The Church’s ministry to the sick (and those in distress), is based on Jesus’s constant concern and care for those in need. It is reinforced by the Epistle of James’s admonition to the sick (and those in distress) to call for the elders of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. James expects this rite to have three effects: the prayer of faith will save the sick; the Lord will raise them up; and their sins will be forgiven (Book of Alternative Services, Ministry to the Sick, pg. 551).

Healing Prayer and anointing with oil makes up one part of our pastoral and healing ministry at All Saints Kingsway. This sacrament is offered each Sunday during our 10:00 am service for all who desire this ministry of prayer and anointing for healing.

If you would like further information about this ministry please contact Jennifer Cameron our Deacon Associate.